K&N Air Filters - Harley Forum

unclepsycho · #1 02-07-2009, 01:53 PM

Hi ya'l

I have gone thru a couple big books and to the dealer, $80 for a K&N air filter seems high.

Is anybody selling them for less?

I was looking for one for my stock 06 Ultra with the 88" TC

I know they are about the best filter out there and don't deny they work, but good ggrief, why so much? Is it because they never sell you another filter, so they gotta get all the profit up front?

If I gotta spend that much, I may go to an upgraded intake system or a fancy filter.... (for a little more $$$ of course).

Thanks

unclepsycho · #2 02-07-2009, 02:37 PM

Ya know, I been looking thru the J&P catalog, and it struck me, I have a nice little metal shop out there, I think I will buy the replacement filter for the hypercharger (for $42), then fabricate the rest to fit the bike. I got an old ford truck door I can cut up to use the sheet metal, and a hammer! hmmmmmmmm......

I'll take a picture of the results..

If anyone finds good deal on k&n out there, please feel free to mention it here.

thanks

HarleyCruiser · #3 02-07-2009, 04:43 PM

Un what style you going to make? I picked up the tear drop on e-bay and then just made a holder for it, think I paid about fifty bucks for it. And yes it was worth it. Make sure you do a project report on it.

Hammerhead Pat · #4 02-07-2009, 05:06 PM

Are you dead set on a K&N? Have you tried the S/E paper filter that is used in the stage 1 set-up? I've used both and can't tell the difference in performance and you don't have to worry about oiling the paper filter like you would have to with the K&N

unclepsycho · #5 02-07-2009, 05:45 PM

Well, I am kinda set on the re-usable idea. I have them (K&N) on every other vehicle we own. the one for my 4x4 was $50 and the bike one is by far smaller, so in my mind..... it should cost less?? or at least the same.

I found a K&N replacement in custom chrome book for something that is 5-1/2" in diameter. With a little sheet metal work, I can fit that in the stock housing and it lists for only $36 !
I dont know if I am cheep...... or just need an excuse to modify something while saving a buck. (they mean the same thing don't they)

Thanks for the reply .

03fxst · #6 02-08-2009, 10:51 AM

Hey Unclepsycho
Go crazy on the fabrication, but I'm with Pat. I use the S/E non oil filter, it is cleanable and re-usable and seems to be as good as the K&N. Harley sells a cleaning fluid to do the job but so far I've been able to do it with water.

unclepsycho · #7 02-08-2009, 12:36 PM

Thanks guys, I missed the point that the paper S/E filter was re-usable, glad you mentioned that.

the stock filter has cloth and screen like the K&N but it is white. I washed it once with water, but it just looks dense and has to be slowing down air flow.

Once I change to a better breathing air filter, will it change the air/fuel mixture enough that I need to get it re-mapped? I hear the 07 and newer can compensate, but mine is the '06.

I am more of an old school mechanic, and am just now getting into the injected and computer motors. I have read a few of the threads here on computers, and am attempting to pick this up. I bought the extra warrentee on the bike for $1600 so I wouldnt have to fix it, but ya know, once a gear-head, allways gearhead, and now curiousity is getting the better of me. I cant help but get in there and tinker. (I bought the manual the first week after I got the bike, it sets right here by my recliner)

I got rainy weather in the forcast, so I will be looking thu the old threads (EFI Controller FAQ is where I'll start, thanks unfknblvbl) and catch up on this info pertaining to intake mod's.

Hay, I just realized why I am messing with the bike! I bought it 3 years ago this week!! It's been bone stock waaay to long.......

unclepsycho · #8 02-08-2009, 01:06 PM

Well that was quick, I should have read the "EFI Controller FAQ" first. of course it needs to be remapped, right at the top of thread it says,

(Quote) Originally Posted by Fenderplayer
Rarely do you not need to remap your EFI when you upgrade your intake & exhaust.......

so there I have it,.....now I am gonna go, and read some more.........

Majicbringer · #9 02-09-2009, 01:34 AM

Ebay! New Sporty K&N filters are always the most expensive (I have no idea why), but I got a great deal on Ebay for $40. It took a while, but it was worth the wait.

tipper1 · #10 02-13-2009, 02:40 PM

i WORK AT A HD DLR AND WE SELL K&N FILTERS. tHEY ARE SOLD AT THE MFG'S SUGGESYED RETAIL, FOR INSTANCE THE SE REPLACEMENT IS $52 EXACT REPLACMENTS ARE 60 TO 80 COMPARED TO OEM AT 20 TO 40, BUT CAN BE CLEANED AND RE-OILED. AND LAST A LIFETIME....